As Ethier, mired in a terrible June slump (5-for-47), played against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night, news broke that his agent Nez Balelo and the Dodgers had agreed to a five-year, $85 million extension. The team is expected to announce the deal Tuesday.

Andre Ethier has been healthy and productive for the Dodgers this season. (AP Photo)

CBS Sports first reported the deal. Sporting News confirmed the pact, which also includes a $17.5 million vesting option for a sixth year with a $2.5 million buyout. Starting next season, Ethier’s annual salaries will be $13.5 million, $15.5 million, $18 million, $18 million and $17.5 million. The $17.5 million option for 2018 will vest with a certain number of plate appearances.

The deal secures the 30-year-old Ethier into his age-35 season.

Ethier could have become a free agent after this season, but the Dodgers have seen him hit .292/.353/.518 with 10 home runs and a league-leading 52 RBIs through 60 games. Those numbers, along with Ethier’s willingness to stay in Los Angeles, helped push the deal forward.

Last season an extension wasn’t such a sure thing. On opening day, of all days, Ethier spouted off about his future with the team being uncertain if he had a bad year. He noted that Dodgers did not tender a contract to friend and former teammate Russell Martin in 2010 after he had a disappointing year. Ethier finished 2011 with 11 homers, 62 RBIs and a .292/.368/.421 line. His power numbers were sapped because of a knee injury that eventually limited him to 135 games. He still made the National All-Star team, and he had a 30-game hitting streak.

This season Ethier has been healthy and happier. He has been the anchor of a lineup made up of journeymen and players who would be in the minor leagues if not for a rash of injuries, including a devastating one to slugger Matt Kemp, and he is a major reason for the Dodgers having the best record in baseball.